Craft Songs
Noja, 2019
8/10
An Italian guitarist and songwriter, Francesca De Fazi has 2 decades of experience under her belt, including playing blues, pop, jazz and TV work as well. With Craft Songs, the songstress is aligned with much talent on brass and keys, in addition to her esteemed band.
“Making Miracles” starts the listen with a lively beat and horns in a festive setting of soulfulness, especially from Fazi’s vocals, and “Message In The Bottleneck” follows with a bluesy aspect to the busy, yet calculated atmosphere.
Elsewhere, “Danubio Blues” trims the pace back to cautious yet inventive with a hazy and rock filled experience, while “At The Bottom Of The Glass” recruits harmonicas and dizzying keys to the multifaceted approach.
Near the end, “Heart In Mind” strategically delivers retro-rock fun with great results, and “Barbecue Blues” exits the listen with keys from Dom Pipkin in the sassy and frisky execution.
A record that was recorded in Torino, Italy and with an all new band, it certainly doesn’t sound like it as De Fazi and company clearly have much chemistry across these varied, animated and well fleshed out tunes.
Travels well with: Lucinda Williams- Sweet Old World; Bonnie Raitt- Luck Of The Draw